Is Your Water Damage Covered by Insurance?

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common problem Piatt and DeWitt County homeowners face, and it takes many forms. From natural forces like hurricanes or flooding to internal issues like plumbing or gutter leaks, there are lots of ways for water to put a strain on your life.

One in every 50 homeowners experience some kind of water damage each year.

When your carpet is soggy or your basement is full of water, one of the first questions you need answered is whether your insurance policy will cover the damage. The short answer, unfortunately, is “it depends.” Let’s dig a little deeper.

What’s Covered?

First off, we should note that policies vary, so it’s important to know the details of your own homeowners insurance policy and to check things out with your agent when details become important. That being said, there are general standards about what may or may not be covered.

A handful of scenarios you can expect full coverage for include:

Sudden, accidental discharge. If leaky plumbing becomes an acute issue and suddenly there’s a burst pipe or broken supply hose, you should be covered.

Water damage cause by storms. As something over which you have no control, this is often covered by standard homeowners policies—your policy likely has separate provisions for coverage for your home and for your personal belongings.

What’s Not Covered?

Unresolved maintenance issues. Lack of maintenance essentially means you forfeit your right to coverage—damage caused by a long-term leak or flooring replacement due to a long-term toilet leak would fall under this category.

Replacing the source of damage. If your water heater bursts open suddenly, your policy may cover the damage it causes, but likely won’t pay for the replacement of the water heater itself. The same is true for plumbing, dishwashers and other similar sources.

What Else Can Be Covered?

Flood damage. Most standard homeowners policies do not include flood coverage, but it’s recommended (and in some cases, required) that you add flood insurance because of the increased risk.

Sewer overflow or backup. This dangerous, and frankly gross, damage may be covered with the addition of a rider or endorsement to your existing policy.

Whatever the cause and whatever the coverage, SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties is available to help you get through your water damage woes. Contact us today to find out how we can get things dried up and set right.